Tanika Charles
This Toronto-born, Edmonton-raised serenader’s demure stage presence can’t hide the ambitious sparkle in her eye or the magical magnetism of her music. Known affectionately as Mz. Chawls (pictured, right), she’s transcending her best supporting backup singer role with Zaki Ibrahim thanks to stunning performances at ManifesTO 2008 and Luminato. Possessing the elegant grace of Alicia Keys while revealing layers of potential reminiscent of a young Aretha Franklin, her voice is simply irresistible. The passion, heartache and hell fury of a woman scorned are captured with crystal clarity and conviction on Charles’s smouldering 60s-esque ballad Think Of You, which hints at even greater things to come.